Do Halloween “judgment houses” win many people to Christ? I’d like to offer seven reasons why I think they don’t.

1) “Judgment houses” aren’t scary enough. To speak of hell, Jesus used the image of a garbage dump overrun with worms, a place where babies were once sacrificed to demons (Mark 9:43-48). Teenagers in plastic devil masks and Styrofoam pitchforks usually don’t convey what it means to “fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).

Tim Challies has posted a Reformation Day Symposium. There are several links from this post to other posts about the Reformation Day. Be sure to check back a few times as he is adding links as he gets them. This is the true Christian Holiday that can be celebrated today in place of Halloween.

Today is Reformation Day—the 491st anniversary of the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Wittenberg’s Schlosskirke. That small act triggered a series of events that forever changed the world. It stands as one of the most important events in all of history—though an event that has been largely forgotten. Today we remember that day and express our gratitude to God for raising up men such as Martin Luther.

For 16 years, real horror overshadowed the make-believe terror of Halloween in this Pennsylvania town, where trick-or-treating after dark was banned after an 11-year-old girl was abducted off the street and murdered.

But on Friday, pint-sized witches, princesses and vampires will once again be shuffling from house to house at night, thanks to a petition drive by a fifth-grader.

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With the town gripped by fear that a child killer was on the loose, trick-or-treating the next day was held in daylight for the first time. Police watched from helicopters as parents led their children from house to house along quiet streets.

Residents also began locking their doors and driving their children to school. And every year afterward, the City Council voted to allow trick-or-treating in the afternoon only, a move duplicated around the same time by many other U.S. cities and towns worried about children’s safety.

Thousands to douse annual Detroit arson tradition

The city that used to burn on the night before Halloween as mischief-makers torched abandoned buildings has largely doused its Devil’s Night by mobilizing tens of thousands of citizens and law-enforcement personnel each year to patrol city neighborhoods.

“It’s unfortunate of course that we have to do this, but this is the hand we’re dealt,” said Luther Keith, executive director of ARISE Detroit!, a coalition of community groups hoping to keep Detroit safe from fires and vandalism around Halloween.

At its peak in 1984, 810 fires were reported in Detroit from Oct. 29 to 31, fueled by, among other things, Devil’s Night’s growing notoriety and the city’s large number of abandoned buildings.

Locally, the news is suggesting that parents check the registered sex offender websites before allowing their children to “Trick or Treat” in the neighborhood.

The phrase “evil in the sight of the Lord” has caught my attention. It is a very appropriate question to ask about any activity we support or participate in.

2 Kings 23:37 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his fathers had done. KJV

The other question is do our actions “glorify the Lord”?

Ps 86:12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. KJV

The phrase “evil in the sight of the Lord” is found 44 times in the KJV and 55 times in the ESV. If something is repeated that often then I think we should pay special attention to what was evil in the Lord’s sight.

1 Kings 11:6 And Solomon didevil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. KJV

1 Kings 14:22-2422 And Judah did evil in the sight of the Lord, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins which they had committed, above all that their fathers had done.
23 For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree.
24 And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. KJV

1 Kings 15:26 And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin. KJV

1 Kings 16:30-3130 And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord above all that were before him.
31 And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam… KJV

Notice the phrase “as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins” is that not what we often hear? “Oh, What’s the big deal?” “You’re making a mountain out of a molehill.” Are we not guilty of thinking that it is a “light thing” to celebrate Halloween?

When we take a holiday like Halloween and try to clean it up might we not be guilty like Jehoram of still doing “evil in the sight of the Lord” even when we think we have cleaned up the holiday or provided an alternative for it. Did we just “remove the image but cleave to the sin“? Took away the skeletons, ghosts and witches but kept the sin?

2 Kings 3:2-3 2 And he wrought evil in the sight of the Lord; but not like his father, and like his mother: for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made. 3 Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom. KJV

2 Chron 33:2 But did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. KJV

Carved images – Jack o’Lanterns?

2 Chron 33:22 But he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them; KJV

Many Christians discount the fact that Halloween might still be a celebrated pagan holiday beyond the obvious decorations, costumes and “Trick or Treating.” Some try to discount the truth of the ancient pagan Druid celebrations that occurred during that time which the Catholic church tried to “redeem” by All-Saints Day and All-Hallows Eve. Many more say that the holiday Halloween has lost all the Druid worship associated with Samhain.

In medieval Ireland, Samhain became the principal festival, celebrated with a great assembly at the royal court in Tara, lasting for three days. After being ritually started on the Hill of Tlachtga, a bonfire was set alight on the Hill of Tara, which served as a beacon, signaling to people gathered atop hills all across Ireland to light their ritual bonfires. The custom has survived to some extent, and recent years have seen a resurgence in participation in the festival.

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Bonfires played a large part in the festivities celebrated down through the last several centuries, and up through the present day in some rural areas of the Celtic nations and the diaspora. Villagers were said to have cast the bones of the slaughtered cattle upon the flames. In the pre-Christian Gaelic world, cattle were the primary unit of currency and the center of agricultural and pastoral life. Samhain was the traditional time for slaughter, for preparing stores of meat and grain to last through the coming winter. The word ‘bonfire‘, or ‘bonefire‘ is a direct translation of the Gaelic tine cnámh. With the bonfire ablaze, the villagers extinguished all other fires. Each family then solemnly lit its hearth from the common flame, thus bonding the families of the village together. Often two bonfires would be built side by side, and the people would walk between the fires as a ritual of purification. Sometimes the cattle and other livestock would be driven between the fires, as well. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samhain

However, a simple search will show that Samhain is still well celebrated and is even making a comeback of sorts. There are Wicca Covens and Druids that are organized within 20 miles of my house (that was very surprising to me since I live in the middle of nowhere!).

Many of the elements of our ancient festival have turned into secular folk customs. The candles, costumes, ghosts, and spooks are all dim memories of a time when people welcomed their beloved dead back to their homes and propitiated spirits with offerings.

For your Samhain, try one or more of these rituals:

~ Think of the candy you give to young trick-or-treaters as offerings to the ancestors, who return as the children of a new generation. Imagine that with each treat, you also give a blessing.

~ Gather your friends and family and set out pictures of your beloved dead. Light a candle (perhaps in a jack-o-lantern), then tell their stories and give thanks for what they’ve given you. Gaze into the candle flame, envisioning the renewal you want to support in your own life, community, and the world. Share your visions, write or draw them, or set out objects on your altar that represent the rebirth you hope for.

~ Share food and leave a bit of each dish on the altar (or outside, near the compost) as an offering for the ancestors.

Halloween is a time when powerful forces converge. Our most sacred holiday is also, unfortunately, the time when anti-witch propaganda may abound.

I believe the way to respond to fear and misinformation is to tell the truth about what we do. Halloween gives us a great opportunity to educate the public by speaking at your child’s school or giving an interview to the local press. In 25 years of public life as a witch, what amazes me is not the prejudice I’ve encountered, but how many open and supportive people I’ve met.http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Pagan-and-Earth-Based/2000/10/The-Witches-New-Year.aspx?p=2

If that doesn’t convince you that there is a problem how about this:

Samhain, “Summer’s End,” the Celtic New Year, the Blood Harvest, Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead… Death – a constant source of mystery and intrigue that beckons us to journey beyond the comfort of our five senses and into the realm of the shadow.

In the twilight-dusk of the year, the stillness of Wintertime approaches. The days grow shorter — and the nights deeper. We come together with intent, to pay heed to ancient whispers, voices that urge us to prepare for the cold, and the long nights to come. Over head, the Frost Moon waxes to Full while the Earth drowses in Her first stages of sleep. In the flickering candlelight, by the warmth of the fire, together we slip into a space of darkness, and there find the embrace of the shadow.

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This event provides a special opportunity for you to take an active role to transform yourself. Out of respect for the rest of the community, you must be willing to take part in the ritual in order to attend the event. Together we will build the container in which to conduct the work. We will not harm you, but we will try to unsettle you, and touch you emotionally. We will ask you to face your fears, confront your Shadow, and emerge from the Cauldron renewed. PLEASE plan to be responsible for your own emotional balance and grounding. We will, of course, provide space in the ritual for appropriate grounding, but cannot be responsible for the consequences you take away from the experience.

Therefore, the excuse that Halloween has lost all its evil connotations is just wrong. However, that does not mean that as Christians we should live in fear about Halloween. We who are Christians are under the protective hand of the Lord and not even a hair of our head will be harmed unless He allows it.

1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. KJV

Should we not participate by not “Trick or Treating” ourselves yet use the opportunity to give out candy and gospel tracts in order to be a witness? I think that is over the line into participating. Is that not “bidding them God speed”?

2 John 10-1110 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. KJV

2 John 10-1110 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. 11 Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work. NIV

Rom 12:9 Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. KJV

So is Halloween “Evil in the Sight of the Lord” or “Glorifying the Lord”?

Well if you want to be technical, it says nothing about that particular holiday. However, the Bible is very clear about what to do in response to Pagan holidays, evil celebrations and evil.

1 Thess 5:21-22

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. KJV

Does Halloween count as evil or at least as having an appearance of evil? Yes, it does. From witches and ghosts to blood and gore, who could say that it does not have the appearance of evil?

Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. KJV

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: KJV

2 Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath
light with darkness? KJV

Doesn’t Halloween relish the dark and evil of the world in both the literal sense and also in the spiritual sense?

Christians are called to share the light of Jesus with others.

Matt 5:14-1614 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. KJV

Christians today also take lightly the commands of the Lord to stay away from evil, evil spirits, witches and those who conjure the dead. Most of the time it is because they do not believe that such things as witches and evil spirits exists. Notice that this is not just Old Testament verses, which many like to ignore, but it is also in New Testament verses.

Deut 18:10-1210 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. KJV

Gal 5:20-2120 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. KJV

Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. KJV

Those who were saved did away with their books and magic arts.

Acts 19:18-2018 Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. 19 And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. ESV

We cannot redeem something evil into something clean and Holy.

Job 14:4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. KJV

Even the phrase “Trick or Treat” is contrary to the Bible. “Trick or Treat” means if you do not give me a treat, I will trick you. Contrary to what my younger son suggested, it dosen’t mean they will do a cartwheel or a magic trick, but that something will be damaged or destroyed.

1 Thess 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. KJV

1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. KJV

Many people have written about the origins of Halloween and the continuing evil that goes on during that time. I won’t bother explaining those right now.

1Thess 5:21-23 Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The next thing to think about is does a “Fall Festival”, “Trunk or Treat”, or “Judgment Houses” done by churches provide a valid and Biblical alternative to Halloween?

How much ground should the Christian give the devil? Is there any room for compromise? No, there is none. The Christian should have a holy hatred of the devil and everything he represents. “Give no place to the devil, (Eph. 4:2).” Halloween represents all that the devil loves and propagates against the holiness of God’s character. When Christians participate in occult festivals, they are ascribing glory of the lord Samhain, the devil, the god of this world. They may ease their conscience by saying they are worshipping God at their Fall Festival, the true Lord of the harvest, but when has God ever inaugurated this kind of worship? I have no qualms about having a costume party on June17th, or February 12th, insignificant days (provided the costumes are not degrading or evil). Costume parties are not the issue, nor are they sinful in and of themselves. It is the festival of Samhain which is the issue; it is Halloween. Will Christian parents plan a costume party in July instead of October 31st? No they will not. Why? Because they desire to make their children happy and fit in with the neighbors. Christian parents should be teaching their children to hate worldliness, not thriving after it. “You adulterous generation, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity towards God? Anyone who is a friend of the world is at enmity with God” (James 4:4-5).

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The most important fact necessary before reading this website is to examine yourself to see if you are a Christian. If you are not a Christian, much of this would be ‘Foolishness’ to you.
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1 Cor 2:14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
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If you are not a Christian then I recommend reading the following:

What is a Berean?

Acts 17:11
"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." NIV

My Purpose

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